Celebrity Protection
Posted by tscotti on October 18, 2009
Celebrity Protection is a unique segment of the business, requiring a unique set of skills. My only association with this part of the business came a few years back. I had the opportunity to work on an assignment involving a huge celebrity with a very credible threat. As a side note my biggest challenge was trying to communicate. A guy in his mid 60’s (that was my age at the time) trying to have a conversation with the manager of a Mega Rap Star was something you might see in a sitcom. Part of the process was meeting with the bodyguards. I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect. I found them to be consummate professionals that had a good handle on what needed to be done. They were trained to handle the scenario, I got to say I walked away impressed and with an education.
Years later I found that they were working for Elijah Shaw, a 16 year veteran of the industry. Elijah conforms to my unscientific business model – longevity. If you have been around 16 years, whatever it is you are doing must work. His client list proves it. His long-term clients includes Usher Raymond, (I have no idea who he is – that’s a being 70 thing), Supermodel Naomi Campbell (I know her), and comedian Chris Rock, who I happen to think is the funniest man on the planet.
The other day I had a conversation with Elijah and I agree with his theory that while the core principals of protection are the same, successfully providing services to the Entertainment world requires some unique skill sets.
On November 11-15, 2009, Elijah’s company, Icon Services Corporation, will hosts a 5-Day Celebrity & VIP Protection training course held in Minneapolis, MN. The course provides the bodyguard staples that you will find in most courses. But attention is also paid to paparazzi & stalker detection, working red carpet events and tours, and probably one of the most important aspect of the course and for that matter the industry – how to market yourself in a crowded industry. This is called scenario based training – I can tell you that it works.
Scenario based training requires a guy like Elijah – a been there – done that – got the T Shirt guy, who can actually teach – what a concept. The program
Michael said
I have been through this course along with many other courses in the past several years, you will not find a more informative real world experiance taught by the best in the industry. Regardless of your profession this is a must attend class it will make you a better personally & profesionally. I am proud to be a member of the Icon Alumni.
M.Briggs
Martinus M. Mitchum said
If you are looking for a training program where you can get “classroom hours” this is not the course for you. The majority of your time learning will be outside the classroom either learning or brushing up on what we do everyday. Taught by the “Dean of Celebrity and VIP Protection”, this is a course that will challenge those just breaking into the business or those with years of experience. It’s a must attend course.
Cullen Coraine said
I will be attending the November VIP / Celeb class, I’am looking forward to this and to meeting MR. Shaw.
Cullen Coraine, Vindex personal Protection.